AS the UK Snooker Championship got under way at the Barbican, York City belatedly got the breaks they required to end a run of seven games without a win.

City chief Gary Mills has bemoaned his team’s failure to take chances in recent times but, during Saturday’s 3-2 victory at Rochdale, he saw recalled midfielder Michael Potts open the scoring after the ball initially struck him in the face.

Jason Walker then ended his own seven-match sequence without a goal when, by his own admission, he attempted to control Scott Kerr’s header only to see the ball fly off his boot into Rochdale ’keeper Josh Lillis’ bottom right-hand corner.

Another Potts goal saw City storm into a 3-0 lead after only 36 minutes and, while the Minstermen might have enjoyed some overdue fortune for the first two finishes, there was nothing lucky about the third effort or the margin of the visitors’ advantage at that stage of the match.

Playing with a fluency and tempo that typifies Mills’ teams at their best, City’s first-half mastery in possession in all areas of the pitch gave an exhibition flavour to proceedings, without suggesting such dominance ever comes easily.

Related links

Potts was instrumental in that respect. The former Blackburn Rovers academy player must have felt he needed snookers to break into Mills’ team this term, having watched the likes of fellow midfielders Lee Bullock, Jonathan Smith and John McReady join the club in the summer prior to being placed on the transfer list in pre-season.

Danny Kearns’ subsequent loan arrival pushed Potts further down the pecking order but the former Republic of Ireland under-21 international’s unexpected return to parent club Peterborough last week, coupled with the earlier farming out of Bullock, Smith and Tom Platt, suddenly handed the 2011 summer signing a surprise chance to resurrect a career that has seen him make only three senior league starts for the Minstermen.

And, only 25 miles from his old Ewood Park stamping ground, Potts grabbed it. Positive from the first whistle, he was busy and enthusiastic and, as well as always being willing to receive possession, the likeable 21-year-old never wasted a pass.

He might have later given away a penalty that led to Rochdale’s second goal but that blemish should not detract from his overall display.

Potts’ two goals were certainly a fitting reward for his patience – a commodity so rare in the modern game as Chelsea fans would no doubt testify.

Even Mills’ position has come under scrutiny in some quarters following a winless November due to the insatiable demand for results but, if any reminder was needed of the manager’s fine footballing philosophies and the devastating potential of his team, it was provided by the first 45 minutes at Spotland.

Every game in League Two seems to pitch the Minstermen against two towering centre-backs and a hulking target man.

Rochdale were no exception with 37-year-old veteran Dele Adebola leading the line at one end of the pitch before his half-time withdrawal, while Ryan Edwards and Rhys Bennett, even allowing for his out-of-character goal, looked equally cumbersome defensive partners.

Mills deserves credit, not criticism, for refusing to give in to the temptation to adopt this supposed blueprint for League Two success and, while his team always seem transformed on their travels, the key to reversing a poor home record could be keeping the ball in the same exemplary manner they showcased at Spotland, while playing at an identical tempo.

City were less incisive after the break – how often is that frustratingly the case when any side races into a three-goal first-half lead? – but their dominance prior to the interval ultimately ensured they pocketed maximum points.

Jamal Fyfield’s flying raids down the left were a regular feature as City imposed their superiority early in the match and led to the opening goal on eight minutes.

Potts started and finished a flowing move that also saw Scott Kerr, Matty Blair and Paddy McLaughlin involved before Fyfield hared forward on the overlap and delivered a dangerous cross to the far post.

After Blair and Walker got touches, it was converted by Potts, who found the roof of Lillis’ net from eight yards.

Potts could, indeed, have claimed a first-half hat-trick, having drilled a left-footed effort wide on the quarter-hour mark when Walker met another Fyfield centre with his head.

Four minutes later, after Jason Kennedy had called Michael Ingham into a fine fingertip save, the Minstermen had doubled their lead when Kerr won a header just outside the penalty box and Walker’s inadvertent 12-yard shot on the turn left Lillis helpless.

Andrew Tutte fired wide from 20 yards for Dale soon afterwards but City added a third on 36 minutes when a subtle touch by Blair sent Chambers sprinting down the left.

Cutting back on to his right foot, Chambers picked out another Potts charge into the penalty box and, after sidestepping a home challenge, the delighted midfielder found Lillis’ bottom right-hand corner from ten yards.

Dale offered a brief riposte before the break when Terry Gornell’s thundering 25-yard strike thumped back off a post with Ingham beaten.

City’s second-half threats were then limited to a weak effort on target from Blair and Potts’ 20-yard drive that comfortably cleared the crossbar.

The hosts, meanwhile, gained a little encouragement when, just past the hour, a shirt tug on Potts went undetected by the officials and Bennett was allowed to advance far too easily from the halfway line into Ingham’s penalty box, evading challenges from Walker, Kerr, Smith and Chris Doig before surprisingly finding himself with the opportunity to find the City ’keeper’s bottom right-hand corner from ten yards.

On 82 minutes, Ingham reacted smartly to prevent Bobby Grant’s edge-of-the-box volley from finding his top corner but he was beaten moments later when Potts nudged into George Donnelly during an aerial contest for the ball.

Grant drilled the subsequent spot kick into Ingham’s bottom left-hand corner as the City ’keeper dived in the opposite direction and Dale dared to believe they could snatch an unlikely and undeserved point.

Ex-Scunthorpe striker Grant went on to drive wide from 30 yards and Ingham caught a curling Ashley Grimes free-kick but, in the sixth and final minute of stoppage time, vital penalty-box headers by Doig and Dan Parslow, whose face was already bloodied from an earlier challenge, ultimately safeguarded victory.

Great win lads well done, makes the league table look a lot better. Chuffed for Pottsy. Credit to Gary Mills and bouncing back after a torrid run of results. Away again next week so more of the same please. Sounds like a good performance and well deserved. COYR

Great win lads well done, makes the league table look a lot better. Chuffed for Pottsy. Credit to Gary Mills and bouncing back after a torrid run of results. Away again next week so more of the same please. Sounds like a good performance and well deserved. COYRskilly

As I said before, Kearns early departure could be a blessing in disguise.

Very happy for Pottsy (and Jason), but the fact that he's scored 2 today adds to the mystique of Gary's decision to rarely play him.

Wow! What a result and a great way to start December.
As I said before, Kearns early departure could be a blessing in disguise.
Very happy for Pottsy (and Jason), but the fact that he's scored 2 today adds to the mystique of Gary's decision to rarely play him.openallhours

How the hell can we keep wining away and be so crap at home. God I'm happy with the win but it's so frustrating when we can't do the business on our home turf.
Anyway thank god for the win and the three points so well done lads.

How the hell can we keep wining away and be so crap at home. God I'm happy with the win but it's so frustrating when we can't do the business on our home turf.
Anyway thank god for the win and the three points so well done lads.duffy

Intersesting following Millsy's post in the press about not worrying about players out of position. so today we players in their recognised positions (you can debate the parslow one at right back) and we get a result... coincedence ??

Intersesting following Millsy's post in the press about not worrying about players out of position. so today we players in their recognised positions (you can debate the parslow one at right back) and we get a result... coincedence ??surge41

I agree with 'positive football'. There are a small minority who start whistling and booing too early when things go wrong. No wonder the lads lack confidence at home. Be like the fans in the DL stand and sing if the side go one down - not jeer.

I agree with 'positive football'. There are a small minority who start whistling and booing too early when things go wrong. No wonder the lads lack confidence at home. Be like the fans in the DL stand and sing if the side go one down - not jeer.Theendoftheworld

another great away win..i don't have a problem with that but i do still have a problem with our home form, not winning our home games will cost us a play off place..so i say to mr mills now sort out a few home wins..and lets see us climb back up the table..but well done lads today..

another great away win..i don't have a problem with that but i do still have a problem with our home form, not winning our home games will cost us a play off place..so i say to mr mills now sort out a few home wins..and lets see us climb back up the table..but well done lads today..redbluelion

What a great win today York City! Comments on Radio York from one of the home brethren indicated that we were the best team by far to visit Spotlands this season! Praise indeed. But thanks to the official who awarded a hotly contested penalty near time City had to hang on and play 6 and a half minutes of extra time when only 5 were awarded! As Duffy as quite rightly said thank the lord for three valuable points.Manager Mills will sleep soundly this weekend!!

What a great win today York City! Comments on Radio York from one of the home brethren indicated that we were the best team by far to visit Spotlands this season! Praise indeed. But thanks to the official who awarded a hotly contested penalty near time City had to hang on and play 6 and a half minutes of extra time when only 5 were awarded! As Duffy as quite rightly said thank the lord for three valuable points.Manager Mills will sleep soundly this weekend!!lifelong

What a great win today York City! Comments on Radio York from one of the home brethren indicated that we were the best team by far to visit Spotlands this season! Praise indeed. But thanks to the official who awarded a hotly contested penalty near time City had to hang on and play 6 and a half minutes of extra time when only 5 were awarded! As Duffy as quite rightly said thank the lord for three valuable points.Manager Mills will sleep soundly this weekend!!

What a great win today York City! Comments on Radio York from one of the home brethren indicated that we were the best team by far to visit Spotlands this season! Praise indeed. But thanks to the official who awarded a hotly contested penalty near time City had to hang on and play 6 and a half minutes of extra time when only 5 were awarded! As Duffy as quite rightly said thank the lord for three valuable points.Manager Mills will sleep soundly this weekend!!lifelong

duffy wrote:
How the hell can we keep wining away and be so crap at home. God I'm happy with the win but it's so frustrating when we can't do the business on our home turf. Anyway thank god for the win and the three points so well done lads.

Fair comment. We've scored 8 goals in our last 3 aways but only 2 in the last 4 homes.

Very odd.

[quote][p][bold]duffy[/bold] wrote:
How the hell can we keep wining away and be so crap at home. God I'm happy with the win but it's so frustrating when we can't do the business on our home turf. Anyway thank god for the win and the three points so well done lads.[/p][/quote]Fair comment. We've scored 8 goals in our last 3 aways but only 2 in the last 4 homes.
Very odd.openallhours

just one defeat away, even in the cups away we have been drawing at normal full time. If we could just have the form at home as we did in GMs first season we would be at the top; after his appointment in October of 2010 we lost just one home game that season!

just one defeat away, even in the cups away we have been drawing at normal full time. If we could just have the form at home as we did in GMs first season we would be at the top; after his appointment in October of 2010 we lost just one home game that season!uhtred

duffy wrote:
How the hell can we keep wining away and be so crap at home. God I'm happy with the win but it's so frustrating when we can't do the business on our home turf. Anyway thank god for the win and the three points so well done lads.

Fair comment. We've scored 8 goals in our last 3 aways but only 2 in the last 4 homes.

Very odd.

Some supporters (oxymoron?) will look for the negatives even when we win - their glass is always half empty!

[quote][p][bold]openallhours[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]duffy[/bold] wrote:
How the hell can we keep wining away and be so crap at home. God I'm happy with the win but it's so frustrating when we can't do the business on our home turf. Anyway thank god for the win and the three points so well done lads.[/p][/quote]Fair comment. We've scored 8 goals in our last 3 aways but only 2 in the last 4 homes.
Very odd.[/p][/quote]Some supporters (oxymoron?) will look for the negatives even when we win - their glass is always half empty!PositiveFootball

Phew!!....soooo needed those 3 points and the performance. Massive credit to GM and the players. Might even try and stay awake for the Football League Show now!!

My gut feeling is we may be better served sticking with the side and formation that got us into the league in the first place, provided the supporters will allow it....

Kearns was an excellent addition to the squad, but perhaps leaping ahead in the midfield pecking order put one or two noses out of joint?

Special praise has to go to Pottsy. GM's post-match described him as the model pro. He has certainly shown tremendous patience and stepped up to the plate today big style.

Best of all there is another away game next week so no need to labour the "If we could win only our home games" mantra!!

COYR

Phew!!....soooo needed those 3 points and the performance. Massive credit to GM and the players. Might even try and stay awake for the Football League Show now!!
My gut feeling is we may be better served sticking with the side and formation that got us into the league in the first place, provided the supporters will allow it....
Kearns was an excellent addition to the squad, but perhaps leaping ahead in the midfield pecking order put one or two noses out of joint?
Special praise has to go to Pottsy. GM's post-match described him as the model pro. He has certainly shown tremendous patience and stepped up to the plate today big style.
Best of all there is another away game next week so no need to labour the "If we could win only our home games" mantra!!
COYRWhitleyred

Whitleyred wrote:
Phew!!....soooo needed those 3 points and the performance. Massive credit to GM and the players. Might even try and stay awake for the Football League Show now!!

My gut feeling is we may be better served sticking with the side and formation that got us into the league in the first place, provided the supporters will allow it....

Kearns was an excellent addition to the squad, but perhaps leaping ahead in the midfield pecking order put one or two noses out of joint?

Special praise has to go to Pottsy. GM's post-match described him as the model pro. He has certainly shown tremendous patience and stepped up to the plate today big style.

Best of all there is another away game next week so no need to labour the &quot;If we could win only our home games" mantra!!

COYR

Nah catch up in morning on BBC I player and get yourself a good nites kip after all the excitement!

[quote][p][bold]Whitleyred[/bold] wrote:
Phew!!....soooo needed those 3 points and the performance. Massive credit to GM and the players. Might even try and stay awake for the Football League Show now!!
My gut feeling is we may be better served sticking with the side and formation that got us into the league in the first place, provided the supporters will allow it....
Kearns was an excellent addition to the squad, but perhaps leaping ahead in the midfield pecking order put one or two noses out of joint?
Special praise has to go to Pottsy. GM's post-match described him as the model pro. He has certainly shown tremendous patience and stepped up to the plate today big style.
Best of all there is another away game next week so no need to labour the "If we could win only our home games" mantra!!
COYR[/p][/quote]Nah catch up in morning on BBC I player and get yourself a good nites kip after all the excitement!ADAMCUTHBERT

Just back. We were outstanding in the first half, probably the best we've been for a long time. Potts was outstanding, linking very well with Walker and Kerr with intelligence, confidence and aggression.

Rochdale came out second half but didn't really threaten. Pottsy, Paddy and Scott Kerr all started to tire and Dale came back into it. Perhaps should have brought subs on earlier. Dubious penalty left nervous last 10 minutes, by which time a couple of moaners sat behind me started having a go at the team( complete bottlers).

Thankfully the lads on the team stayed strong and brought the points home. Magnificent away following again.

Just back. We were outstanding in the first half, probably the best we've been for a long time. Potts was outstanding, linking very well with Walker and Kerr with intelligence, confidence and aggression.
Rochdale came out second half but didn't really threaten. Pottsy, Paddy and Scott Kerr all started to tire and Dale came back into it. Perhaps should have brought subs on earlier. Dubious penalty left nervous last 10 minutes, by which time a couple of moaners sat behind me started having a go at the team( complete bottlers).
Thankfully the lads on the team stayed strong and brought the points home. Magnificent away following again.YO1

Just got back and we are on Sky Sports News and looking good!! Very entertaining game, great atmosphere from City fans and in the first-half, we were quality and took Rochdale apart and could have been further ahead at the break. They had to force the pace and push-up in the second-half and though we should have had a challenge in for their first and the penalty award was generous, felt we were always going to get the three points! The whole team deserve credit but for me, Chris Smith, Scott Kerr and Michael Potts stood out. On to Argyle now and let's keep this away form going and keep to more or less this line-up and formation. COYR.

Just got back and we are on Sky Sports News and looking good!! Very entertaining game, great atmosphere from City fans and in the first-half, we were quality and took Rochdale apart and could have been further ahead at the break. They had to force the pace and push-up in the second-half and though we should have had a challenge in for their first and the penalty award was generous, felt we were always going to get the three points! The whole team deserve credit but for me, Chris Smith, Scott Kerr and Michael Potts stood out. On to Argyle now and let's keep this away form going and keep to more or less this line-up and formation. COYR.RooBeck

Just got back from Rochdale, first half we did everything right and fully deserved our 3-0 lead As good a first half display that we have seen all season. Rochdale left the field to booing from the home fans (shock horror). You just knew that they would come at us in the second half, and of course they did. But unlike the first half we just couldnt keep the ball up front and Rochdale were mounting more and more attacks. The lad who scored their first goal ran about forty yards with the ball before scoring. The Referee then gave them a penalty. Then it was nail biting time throughout the the rest of the game. Delighted we have managed to win at last, but why oh why have we not been playing mid-fielders in mid-field until today. Well done to Pottsy and Paddy for they certainly made a difference.

Just got back from Rochdale, first half we did everything right and fully deserved our 3-0 lead As good a first half display that we have seen all season. Rochdale left the field to booing from the home fans (shock horror). You just knew that they would come at us in the second half, and of course they did. But unlike the first half we just couldnt keep the ball up front and Rochdale were mounting more and more attacks. The lad who scored their first goal ran about forty yards with the ball before scoring. The Referee then gave them a penalty. Then it was nail biting time throughout the the rest of the game. Delighted we have managed to win at last, but why oh why have we not been playing mid-fielders in mid-field until today. Well done to Pottsy and Paddy for they certainly made a difference.OLD - HEAD

lifelong wrote:
What a great win today York City! Comments on Radio York from one of the home brethren indicated that we were the best team by far to visit Spotlands this season! Praise indeed. But thanks to the official who awarded a hotly contested penalty near time City had to hang on and play 6 and a half minutes of extra time when only 5 were awarded! As Duffy as quite rightly said thank the lord for three valuable points.Manager Mills will sleep soundly this weekend!!

The rules are that the allocated and announced period of extra time is the minimum that will be played; the referee is entitled to add additional time if he/she feels this is warranted. Sublime performance in the first half, reminded me of Wrexham away last season. Very well done to all the team but especially Michael Potts. Credit for GM for playing him. Another good away following - I wonder if we do so much better away because we are all concentrated in one area and all get behind the team, rather than being dispersed around three sides. I see Tom Platt scored for Harrogate today so it's all good! COYR

[quote][p][bold]lifelong[/bold] wrote:
What a great win today York City! Comments on Radio York from one of the home brethren indicated that we were the best team by far to visit Spotlands this season! Praise indeed. But thanks to the official who awarded a hotly contested penalty near time City had to hang on and play 6 and a half minutes of extra time when only 5 were awarded! As Duffy as quite rightly said thank the lord for three valuable points.Manager Mills will sleep soundly this weekend!![/p][/quote]The rules are that the allocated and announced period of extra time is the minimum that will be played; the referee is entitled to add additional time if he/she feels this is warranted. Sublime performance in the first half, reminded me of Wrexham away last season. Very well done to all the team but especially Michael Potts. Credit for GM for playing him. Another good away following - I wonder if we do so much better away because we are all concentrated in one area and all get behind the team, rather than being dispersed around three sides. I see Tom Platt scored for Harrogate today so it's all good! COYRTug job

Any of you lot fancy a road trip to devon next sat I've got 3 spare seats me and my mucker fat Dave driving down in my discovery we will leave York rugby club about 5am to get to Plymouth about noon time to get some scoff and have a punt leave straight after FT back at rugby club about midnight or a bit later no diesel money required just buy me a good few pints and a pasty lovely and we can stop on way back to toast another three points

Any of you lot fancy a road trip to devon next sat I've got 3 spare seats me and my mucker fat Dave driving down in my discovery we will leave York rugby club about 5am to get to Plymouth about noon time to get some scoff and have a punt leave straight after FT back at rugby club about midnight or a bit later no diesel money required just buy me a good few pints and a pasty lovely and we can stop on way back to toast another three pointsycfcfooker

First half Potts should've had 4, by far the better team. Disappointed in the second half that we didn't mount any pressure, there were more goals to be had against a poor home side and we won't be going anywhere but midtable if we don't attack and get the goals when they are there for the taking. Decent first half, similar display to Port Vale but took our chances. Potts should play for his set piece delivery alone, best we've seen in ages!

First half Potts should've had 4, by far the better team. Disappointed in the second half that we didn't mount any pressure, there were more goals to be had against a poor home side and we won't be going anywhere but midtable if we don't attack and get the goals when they are there for the taking. Decent first half, similar display to Port Vale but took our chances. Potts should play for his set piece delivery alone, best we've seen in ages!alimount

^ not wrong lad pottsy mom walker close second no negatives today lets do the bizzo down at Plymouth got arrested by military police last time we played there got a bit tasty in their boozer not this time though

^ not wrong lad pottsy mom walker close second no negatives today lets do the bizzo down at Plymouth got arrested by military police last time we played there got a bit tasty in their boozer not this time thoughycfcfooker

Yeah ok ...... Second half city lost concentration and nearly blew it ......
But to all those doubters out there
Please believe me, for the first forty five minutes of this game city were nothing short of magnificent !!!
Thank you Millsy....Well done boys.

Please Please can we bring our away
support .....HOME!

Yeah ok ...... Second half city lost concentration and nearly blew it ......
But to all those doubters out there
Please believe me, for the first forty five minutes of this game city were nothing short of magnificent !!!
Thank you Millsy....Well done boys.
Please Please can we bring our away
support .....HOME!rupertbehr

Mellon sacked at Fleetwood!!! Chairman obviously savvy enough not to be sentimental.... Don't want to be negative though after such a bloody good result hope we can go on a run 10 points before Christmas wouldn't be a burden

Mellon sacked at Fleetwood!!! Chairman obviously savvy enough not to be sentimental.... Don't want to be negative though after such a bloody good result hope we can go on a run 10 points before Christmas wouldn't be a burdenycfcfooker

duffy wrote:
How the hell can we keep wining away and be so crap at home. God I'm happy with the win but it's so frustrating when we can't do the business on our home turf.
Anyway thank god for the win and the three points so well done lads.

That's exactly what Rochdale will be asking! I'm not sure there's really any mystery to this. Every time we play well away, some other team is wondering why they drop points at home. The fact is, as we know, teams deploy different tactics away from home and those tactics (which typically shore up the defence and look for breaks in attack) are probably more conducive to getting something out of a match, and certainly make it more difficult for the home team. Add to that the fact that the combined psychology of the team is that the pressure is off the away side and on the home side, and that anything we get is a bonus, just changes the overall balance of the game. I guess what I'm saying is that the commonly held idea that playing at home conveys some kind of automatic advantage, is a myth. The way to stop this happening is to start the home games by playing away-game tactics (wear the away strip if it helps). Then when a couple of goals up switch to conventional home tactics. If nothing else it will confuse the hell out of the opposition.

[quote][p][bold]duffy[/bold] wrote:
How the hell can we keep wining away and be so crap at home. God I'm happy with the win but it's so frustrating when we can't do the business on our home turf.
Anyway thank god for the win and the three points so well done lads.[/p][/quote]That's exactly what Rochdale will be asking! I'm not sure there's really any mystery to this. Every time we play well away, some other team is wondering why they drop points at home. The fact is, as we know, teams deploy different tactics away from home and those tactics (which typically shore up the defence and look for breaks in attack) are probably more conducive to getting something out of a match, and certainly make it more difficult for the home team. Add to that the fact that the combined psychology of the team is that the pressure is off the away side and on the home side, and that anything we get is a bonus, just changes the overall balance of the game. I guess what I'm saying is that the commonly held idea that playing at home conveys some kind of automatic advantage, is a myth. The way to stop this happening is to start the home games by playing away-game tactics (wear the away strip if it helps). Then when a couple of goals up switch to conventional home tactics. If nothing else it will confuse the hell out of the opposition.pip007

duffy wrote:
How the hell can we keep wining away and be so crap at home. God I'm happy with the win but it's so frustrating when we can't do the business on our home turf.
Anyway thank god for the win and the three points so well done lads.

That's exactly what Rochdale will be asking! I'm not sure there's really any mystery to this. Every time we play well away, some other team is wondering why they drop points at home. The fact is, as we know, teams deploy different tactics away from home and those tactics (which typically shore up the defence and look for breaks in attack) are probably more conducive to getting something out of a match, and certainly make it more difficult for the home team. Add to that the fact that the combined psychology of the team is that the pressure is off the away side and on the home side, and that anything we get is a bonus, just changes the overall balance of the game. I guess what I'm saying is that the commonly held idea that playing at home conveys some kind of automatic advantage, is a myth. The way to stop this happening is to start the home games by playing away-game tactics (wear the away strip if it helps). Then when a couple of goals up switch to conventional home tactics. If nothing else it will confuse the hell out of the opposition.

To be fair though playing at home does give you an advantage, it has to just looking at the overall statistics of all games played every season. I do think its a mix of two things. Firstly we are a counter attacking team and have always struggled when teams have put players behind the ball and closed us down not giving us time on the ball which often happens at home. I also think there is now a confidence issue and agree that the home support could be better at times although its not as bad as stated by some.

[quote][p][bold]pip007[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]duffy[/bold] wrote:
How the hell can we keep wining away and be so crap at home. God I'm happy with the win but it's so frustrating when we can't do the business on our home turf.
Anyway thank god for the win and the three points so well done lads.[/p][/quote]That's exactly what Rochdale will be asking! I'm not sure there's really any mystery to this. Every time we play well away, some other team is wondering why they drop points at home. The fact is, as we know, teams deploy different tactics away from home and those tactics (which typically shore up the defence and look for breaks in attack) are probably more conducive to getting something out of a match, and certainly make it more difficult for the home team. Add to that the fact that the combined psychology of the team is that the pressure is off the away side and on the home side, and that anything we get is a bonus, just changes the overall balance of the game. I guess what I'm saying is that the commonly held idea that playing at home conveys some kind of automatic advantage, is a myth. The way to stop this happening is to start the home games by playing away-game tactics (wear the away strip if it helps). Then when a couple of goals up switch to conventional home tactics. If nothing else it will confuse the hell out of the opposition.[/p][/quote]To be fair though playing at home does give you an advantage, it has to just looking at the overall statistics of all games played every season. I do think its a mix of two things. Firstly we are a counter attacking team and have always struggled when teams have put players behind the ball and closed us down not giving us time on the ball which often happens at home. I also think there is now a confidence issue and agree that the home support could be better at times although its not as bad as stated by some.duffy

Crisis, what crisis? Needed the three points today. Michael Potts deserved his chance and took his goals well. Deserves a decent run in the team to show what he can do. Great goal from Jason Walker!!! They all count. Onwards and upwards now, just don't mention the home form!
In Gary Mills we trust.

Crisis, what crisis? Needed the three points today. Michael Potts deserved his chance and took his goals well. Deserves a decent run in the team to show what he can do. Great goal from Jason Walker!!! They all count. Onwards and upwards now, just don't mention the home form!
In Gary Mills we trust.GreenshawGrinder

duffy wrote:
Really pleased for Potts who has not been given a chance. Please note a midfield with three midfielders in it, can we continue with that please and maybe give Potts a run in the team.

Yes Duffy right on with your post.

[quote][p][bold]duffy[/bold] wrote:
Really pleased for Potts who has not been given a chance. Please note a midfield with three midfielders in it, can we continue with that please and maybe give Potts a run in the team.[/p][/quote]Yes Duffy right on with your post.Head of Bomber Command

hey ycfcfooker how great does your invitation to Plymouth sound(pardon the pun) a nice away tripa few pints of english beer or the nearest youre likley to get in Plymouth ha,i wish i was in a position to take up your offer.watchyourselfd
own there tho mate they arnt the most sociable people to away supporters.

hey ycfcfooker how great does your invitation to Plymouth sound(pardon the pun) a nice away tripa few pints of english beer or the nearest youre likley to get in Plymouth ha,i wish i was in a position to take up your offer.watchyourselfd
own there tho mate they arnt the most sociable people to away supporters.WiShIwAsAtThEcReSeNt

Credit to all the 'City supporters' - fantastic- helped the team I'm sure, never stopped cheering. Maybe the moaners stayed at home, fingers at the ready to add the negative comments to this website before we all got home.

The team were outstanding (thank you lads and GM) - Dale supporters around where I was sat were full of praise, best side they've seen at Spotlands this season.

I understand we had 60% of the play - this must have been 80% in the first half - Fyfield, Chambers great down the left - fantastic crosses from Fyfield. And for all those knockers of Chambers - what a headed clearance in his own box when left one on one in the first half. Walker's hold up play today was another highlight - linked very well with those around him. Pottsy - brilliant - waited his chance, never on to have his chin on the floor - came in and performed - deserves to be in the side at Plymouth. Dan Parslow - another great performance, solid and confident going forward. Overall team performance 8/10

One point on the Dale fans - the booing of the first substitution - certainly wouldn't like to see it that bad at York

Credit to all the 'City supporters' - fantastic- helped the team I'm sure, never stopped cheering. Maybe the moaners stayed at home, fingers at the ready to add the negative comments to this website before we all got home.
The team were outstanding (thank you lads and GM) - Dale supporters around where I was sat were full of praise, best side they've seen at Spotlands this season.
I understand we had 60% of the play - this must have been 80% in the first half - Fyfield, Chambers great down the left - fantastic crosses from Fyfield. And for all those knockers of Chambers - what a headed clearance in his own box when left one on one in the first half. Walker's hold up play today was another highlight - linked very well with those around him. Pottsy - brilliant - waited his chance, never on to have his chin on the floor - came in and performed - deserves to be in the side at Plymouth. Dan Parslow - another great performance, solid and confident going forward. Overall team performance 8/10
One point on the Dale fans - the booing of the first substitution - certainly wouldn't like to see it that bad at Yorkredwhiteblue

The first half performance was amazing. Rochdale looked shell-shocked and they just had no idea how to stop City playing. Obviously it was going to be different in the second half, with City losing a bit of momentum and Rochdale finally waking up.
Very pleased for Potts and I thought Dan Parslow was terrific. In the second half he was being fouled every couple of minutes by their forwards but I don't think the ref gave him one free kick.

The first half performance was amazing. Rochdale looked shell-shocked and they just had no idea how to stop City playing. Obviously it was going to be different in the second half, with City losing a bit of momentum and Rochdale finally waking up.
Very pleased for Potts and I thought Dan Parslow was terrific. In the second half he was being fouled every couple of minutes by their forwards but I don't think the ref gave him one free kick.Some old bloke

I was at Rochdale and agree that Citys travelling support was brilliant. It must have been a surprise to Rochdale fans just how much noise was made by a few hundred fans. Regarding the Rochdale fans booing off their team at half-time. How is this for an alternative quote - (John Coleman the Rochdale Manager) "I think that the fans have got a right to boo them off at half-time, as they have paid their hard earned money and they are the lifeblood of the football club" - So opinions do differ!

I was at Rochdale and agree that Citys travelling support was brilliant. It must have been a surprise to Rochdale fans just how much noise was made by a few hundred fans. Regarding the Rochdale fans booing off their team at half-time. How is this for an alternative quote - (John Coleman the Rochdale Manager) "I think that the fans have got a right to boo them off at half-time, as they have paid their hard earned money and they are the lifeblood of the football club" - So opinions do differ!OLD - HEAD

WiShIwAsAtThEcReSeNt wrote:
hey ycfcfooker how great does your invitation to Plymouth sound(pardon the pun) a nice away tripa few pints of english beer or the nearest youre likley to get in Plymouth ha,i wish i was in a position to take up your offer.watchyourselfd

own there tho mate they arnt the most sociable people to away supporters.

You're not wrong mucker a right set of carrot munchers, me and fat Dave will dust 'em don't you worry about that

[quote][p][bold]WiShIwAsAtThEcReSeNt[/bold] wrote:
hey ycfcfooker how great does your invitation to Plymouth sound(pardon the pun) a nice away tripa few pints of english beer or the nearest youre likley to get in Plymouth ha,i wish i was in a position to take up your offer.watchyourselfd
own there tho mate they arnt the most sociable people to away supporters.[/p][/quote]You're not wrong mucker a right set of carrot munchers, me and fat Dave will dust 'em don't you worry about thatycfcfooker

Massive win. We were fantastic first half but hung on towards the end but the 3 points are huge for us. Frustrating that we don't seem to do it at home, Rochdale's manager John Coleman said in his post match interview that we are the best side he has seen this season. Everyone can see that we should be higher up the table, but I can't understand the indifferent performances home and away. It's something Millsy must address ASAP or we could end up being dragged into the mire once again.

Massive win. We were fantastic first half but hung on towards the end but the 3 points are huge for us. Frustrating that we don't seem to do it at home, Rochdale's manager John Coleman said in his post match interview that we are the best side he has seen this season. Everyone can see that we should be higher up the table, but I can't understand the indifferent performances home and away. It's something Millsy must address ASAP or we could end up being dragged into the mire once again.RickyC

First half we were as good as I've seen us play for a long while - fluid, fast paced, not giving up until the ball was in the back of the net. Great to see Walker just seeing the slightest opportunity for shooting and taking it, that's what the team (and Walker himself) have been lacking, so hopefully this will encourage more 'shoot on sight' attacking. Yes, we faded out in the second half a little but in my eyes it was not a penalty - Rochdale had made a few unsuccessful appeals for penalties earlier in the half, which made me suspicious - and we saw the game out reasonably well. The only improvement I would make is that we should not be looking to defend leads, even 3 goal leads. We should just be attacking constanly, keeping the opposition under pressure and not letting up until the final whistle. Our defense are great for playing the ball forward to our midfield/attack, but not so great at keeping the ball out of our box. So we should play to our strengths!

But that is a minor issue - on the whole, I though we were brilliant and got the result we deserved.

First half we were as good as I've seen us play for a long while - fluid, fast paced, not giving up until the ball was in the back of the net. Great to see Walker just seeing the slightest opportunity for shooting and taking it, that's what the team (and Walker himself) have been lacking, so hopefully this will encourage more 'shoot on sight' attacking. Yes, we faded out in the second half a little but in my eyes it was not a penalty - Rochdale had made a few unsuccessful appeals for penalties earlier in the half, which made me suspicious - and we saw the game out reasonably well. The only improvement I would make is that we should not be looking to defend leads, even 3 goal leads. We should just be attacking constanly, keeping the opposition under pressure and not letting up until the final whistle. Our defense are great for playing the ball forward to our midfield/attack, but not so great at keeping the ball out of our box. So we should play to our strengths!
But that is a minor issue - on the whole, I though we were brilliant and got the result we deserved.YorkCityLuke

I always read your comments on here.im a first timmer.never seen the city,bit old and not too mobile,played under the late great Alex Stock.and my mentor was Tommy Burden the Leeds captain in the 40/'50s.you know as i do when you enter into new areas strange things happen,old heads come into play. just remember city have young players plying their trade ,what i have heard this club are building a firm foundation it may take a couple of seasons for the manager to get the blend.i know people in the game ,hes a highly rated man in the game.he wont let anyone down.also just put your hands together for a first class Chairman,good luck.

I always read your comments on here.im a first timmer.never seen the city,bit old and not too mobile,played under the late great Alex Stock.and my mentor was Tommy Burden the Leeds captain in the 40/'50s.you know as i do when you enter into new areas strange things happen,old heads come into play. just remember city have young players plying their trade ,what i have heard this club are building a firm foundation it may take a couple of seasons for the manager to get the blend.i know people in the game ,hes a highly rated man in the game.he wont let anyone down.also just put your hands together for a first class Chairman,good luck.bill bailey

Potts - Kerr - McLaughlin has the potential to be a very very good midfield and is something I've thought for a long time. Unreal Potts has never been given a decent chance before, always impressive whenever I saw him last season especially towards the end. His assist for Walker away at Cambridge was a vital moment.

Not getting overly excited by yesterday though, still showed poor defending for their first goal and the home form obviously still a massive issue. But like I have said before we have a good squad there, just hope now we can transform our away record into points at home!! Do that and the play offs are very reachable. Well done for yesterday to Mills and the boys. (ps DO IT AT HOME, DO IT AT HOME!!)

Potts - Kerr - McLaughlin has the potential to be a very very good midfield and is something I've thought for a long time. Unreal Potts has never been given a decent chance before, always impressive whenever I saw him last season especially towards the end. His assist for Walker away at Cambridge was a vital moment.
Not getting overly excited by yesterday though, still showed poor defending for their first goal and the home form obviously still a massive issue. But like I have said before we have a good squad there, just hope now we can transform our away record into points at home!! Do that and the play offs are very reachable. Well done for yesterday to Mills and the boys. (ps DO IT AT HOME, DO IT AT HOME!!)heartbreaker

3 midfielders playing in midfield! whatever next!? Leaving a full bunch of strikers on when we were up against it in the second half was a bit brave but at least we hung on. Well done, onwards and upwards!

3 midfielders playing in midfield! whatever next!? Leaving a full bunch of strikers on when we were up against it in the second half was a bit brave but at least we hung on. Well done, onwards and upwards!long distance depressive